Know before you go...

• South Africa is in the same time zone as the UK, so there is no jetlag
• The flights take around 11 hours depending on your destination, and are normally overnight so you can start your holiday straightaway!
• English is spoken everywhere, so you won't have a problem with the language
• South Africa falls in the southern hemisphere which means the season are opposite to ours; when it's cold, grey and wet in the UK, it hot and sunny in South Africa!
• Game parks in the west of the country are predominantly maleria-free making them ideal for families with small children (or anyone who doesn't like jabs).
• Big Five game drives are available in many state owned and private game parks
• The BIG FIVE means elephant, rhinocerous, buffalo, lion and leopard
• Surprisingly, the hippopotamus is the most dangerous animal in the bush
• There is an excellent network of bed and breakfast establishments throughout the country where you can be sure of a warm welcome, but it's best to book in advance as they generally have many guests who visit time and time again
• The Road network is excellent, making South Africa ideal for self drive holidays
• They drive on the left in South Africa like we do here in the UK which makes driving easier
• Drivers need an international driving licence or national licence with photographs
• Speed limits are 120km per hour (75mph) on highways, 100km/h (63mph) in rural areas and 60km/h (38mph) in towns and cities
• Petrol stations do not take credit cards, so make sure you have enough cash before filling up!

Why visit South Africa...

• Eating out - always delicious and very reasonably priced.
• Friendly people of all colours
• Geography is stunning and infinitely variable- from desert to rugged mountains and sandy beaches.
• Dress code is very casual with the exception of just a few Hotels and Restaurants.
• Electrical supply is the same as here except that the plugs are either two pin or large round three pin (buy your adapter in South Africa as they are difficult to find in the UK.
• Visit some of South Africa's history on a Battlefield (Zulu and Boer wars) tour.
• Beautiful beaches for swimming,diving or just walking.
• Plenty of historical buildings with splendid architecture.
• Hiking is a great way to see some of the less accessible areas.
• For bird watchers South Africa is a paradise.
• Museums and Art Galleries are of a very high standard, covering all aspects of life and history.
• Botanic gardens are to be found in most large towns .
• Internet cafes abound - some in tiny shops, some in smart modern buildings - every small town has at least one.
• Golf courses are numerous and beautifully maintained.
• It is easy to rent a mobile phone (referred to as "cell phone") at the airports.Drop off at a different airport is also easy.
• ATM's are widely available.

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